This story highlights Ibrahim Hussein’s inspiring journey as a refugee who overcame significant challenges. It was written by Tyler Bastedo at the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council Inc. and illustrates the powerful role of collective assistance, determination, and the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) in helping him build a new life in Canada. Read more below to learn about Ibrahim’s story.

Ibrahim Hussein’s experience with the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is one of many examples of how Canada’s long tradition of supporting refugees can make a difference, not only for the individual, but also for the community they resettle in. A dedicated and tireless community volunteer and a proud Moose Javian, we were able to sit down with Ibrahim to discuss his journey.

“I was born in Syria. In 2012, the war started, and we had to move to Turkey. I lived there for nine years. I was very sad when I had to move to Turkey. I had no help, and I did not speak the language. It was very difficult. After six years in Turkey, I heard about Canada and Britain accepting people to come. I didn’t believe it. I did interviews and tests, had photos taken, and completed everything—the whole process—but I still had to wait a long time. Finally, I received a phone call asking if I wanted to come to Canada.”

The story of Ibrahim and his family, like the stories of so many refugees, is one born of tragedy. Ibrahim explained that he had to leave everything behind when they fled Syria. With very few belongings or money to support themselves, he made and sold small candies while searching for an opportunity for a better life. After living in Turkey for nine years, Ibrahim was able to secure the opportunity to come to Canada via the Resettlement Assistance Program. Ibrahim reminisced about the first days of his arrival in Moose Jaw. Despite all of the uncertainty of moving to an unfamiliar country, he remembers it as a happy time.

“When we arrived in Moose Jaw, I remember seeing Jaella with an interpreter. She welcomed me and my family and brought us to the hotel. During this time, it was the corona[virus], and we could not leave the hotel, but the multicultural workers came every day with food and to help wash my clothes. I was so surprised. I want to thank Multicultural. The managers, the workers, the teachers. They give you good energy and a good life. We are happy.”

Ibrahim spoke of the services he received through the RAP program. From being welcomed at the airport to finding a house for his family to live in, he was extremely grateful for the support his family received in Canada. In the years since their arrival, Ibrahim and his family have been able to access a variety of settlement services with MJMC, including RAP, Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS), Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), and Community Connections—programs that Ibrahim participates in and volunteers for today.

Since resettling in Moose Jaw, Ibrahim has established himself as a valued community member and volunteer. He is one of our organization’s most dedicated volunteers and a go-to ambassador for outreach and public speaking events. In 2024, Ibrahim was the keynote speaker at the World Refugee Day event in our community, where he shared his experience as a refugee with the people of Moose Jaw. He has volunteered with the RAP program by helping newly arrived families through interpretation or assisting with moving into their new homes, paying forward the support he received himself. Ibrahim frequently assists the Community Connections program with special events and group activities.

In addition to volunteering his time to MJMC, Ibrahim is an avid gardener and assists local community organizations with their community garden plots. Ibrahim maintains a garden of his own, the proceeds of which he often donates to MJMC clients, LINC classmates, and the local food bank. Through perseverance, resilience, and strength, Ibrahim has built a new life for himself in Canada. Through compassion, dedication, and his desire to help others, he has helped build our community.

“I want to help. I want to give back. When I am asked to volunteer, I am ready. I am ready 24 hours because I am happy here.”

Ibrahim is a paramount example of how kindness and compassion are reciprocated. By helping his family, our community has grown and benefited in turn. Despite the tragic circumstances that necessitated their arrival in Moose Jaw, we consider our community very lucky to have such a compassionate and dedicated person call our city home.

“I do not feel that I am a stranger in Canada. It is my country. Moose Jaw is my city.”